Galley Hill Road
On 10 April 2023 a portion of the northern edge of the Swanscombe Quarry collapsed causing a landslide. It led to a lot of chalk and other materials falling to the quarry floor, onto business premises below.
The landslide also took part of the road and footpath of Galley Hill Road. This road is on the chalk above the old quarry site. This, in turn, caused considerable damage to the highway's utility infrastructure. Local phone and broadband services were also affected.
We are fully aware of the significant congestion and disruption that continues to affect Dartford and Gravesham as a result of the loss of Galley Hill Road, as well as the adverse impacts on local communities caused by diverted traffic, particularly heavy goods vehicles using adjacent local roads that are unsuitable.
Restoring the A226 Galley Hill Road is critical to supporting major strategic housing allocations. Dartford Borough Council’s Local Plan proposes between 9,000 and 18,000 new jobs and 11,900 new homes by 2037. Current congestion following the collapse is already severe, and further development is unlikely without the re establishment of this vital link.
The reinstatement of the Fastrack Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network has also been identified as a priority, alongside the full restoration of local Arriva bus services, which have suffered delays and cancellations due to worsening congestion.
What we've done so far
Since the collapse, we have:
- secured the site with permanent fencing and CCTV to ensure public safety.
- implemented a Traffic Regulation Order to close the road and established a signed diversion route, along with junction priority changes and weight restrictions in Swanscombe to deter HGVs from unsuitable roads.
- coordinated the isolation and diversion of utility apparatus from Galley Hill Road to adjacent routes, and removed equipment left suspended after the collapse.
- commissioned expert geotechnical advice and comprehensive surveys to assess chalk spine stability, identify remedial solutions, and determine the cause of the collapse.
- engaged legal specialists to ensure due process and protect the council’s position in anticipation of litigation.
- commissioned an Options Paper of preliminary designs and high level cost estimates for potential solutions based on survey findings.
As we approach the third anniversary of the collapse, we remain committed to delivering a solution.
Our consultants are progressing detailed options for the remedial works following recent ground investigation surveys and we continue to move forward with the development of our business case so that we are in the best position going forward to apply for any funding sources that become available either through Government or other bodies.
Our legal teams continue to work towards the start of litigation against those deemed responsible for causing the original collapse.
Our teams are working with our county councillors, district councillors and community groups to investigate highway improvements in the Swanscombe area that could help reduce congestion and improve pedestrian safety.
Last updated: 17 March 2026
Road closures and diversion routes
The road remains closed. View the diversion route:
The alternative route for pedestrians is via:
- High Street
- Stanhope Road
- cycle track from Thames Way to Stanhope Road
- A226 Thames Way
- A226 Stonebridge Road
- A226 Galley Hill Road and vice versa.
Traffic congestion
There are temporary restrictions on some roads in Galley Hill. This is to encourage drivers to keep to the diversion route. Permanent signs are in place alongside temporary restrictions along the diversion route.
Traffic lights at either end of the diversion are off. We have made changes to the lights at High Street Swanscombe and Galley Hill Road. This is to help traffic flow freely.
As the area is very populated and traffic flow is high, congestion may still remain.
Bus service changes
Due to the closure of Galley Hill Road, bus routes in the area have changed. Below is a list of route changes in the area affected.
You can find timetables for an Arriva services on the Arriva website.
Services affected are:
480, 490 and 491
Since 28 July 2024, routes 470, 480 and 490 have been standardised to operate up to every 10 minutes between Gravesend and Dartford via Swanscombe and Bluewater. All journeys now follow the same route and are numbered as 480. Journeys east of Gravesend are numbered 490/491 and can be accessed via a change of bus at Gravesend. Through ticketing is available between 480/490/491.
Between Ebbsfleet Stadium and Swanscombe George and Dragon, Route 480 operates via:
- Thames Way
- Ebbsfleet Gateway
- Southfleet Road
- Stanhope Road
- High Street.
Fastrack B/F
Fastrack B operates up to every 12 minutes via A2. This service runs fast between Ebbsfleet International Station and Bluewater Bus Station. New Route F operates up to every 12 minutes between Manor Way Roundabout and Bluewater Bus Station via Greenhithe Station. Through ticketing is available between Routes B and F via a change of bus at Bluewater at no additional cost.
These changes are temporary, and once vehicle access is restored to Galley Hill Road, it is planned that Fastrack B will return to Ingress Park and Swanscombe. Read more information about the Fastrack services.
Fastrack AZ
Fastrack AZ now runs on the A2 between Ebbsfleet International Station and Greenhithe Station. It no longer goes to Ingress Park or Swanscombe.
For Ingress Park, use Fastrack F and interchange with Fastrack A/AZ at Greenhithe Station.
For Swanscombe, the nearest Fastrack stop is the Manor Way Roundabout stop (Fastrack F).
Ebbsfleet Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) and Route GC1
Go-Coach operate the Ebbsfleet DRT service providing on-demand bus service for the wider Ebbsfleet area. Areas served include:
- Castle Hill
- Ebbsfleet Green
- Ebbsfleet International
- Swanscombe
- Greenhithe
- Alkerden
- Bluewater
- Darent Valley Hopsital
- Stone Crossing
- Springhead
- Northfleet.
This service operates from 6am to 1am Monday to Saturday, and 6am to midnight Sundays and Bank Holidays.
On Monday to Friday peak times, Route GC1 now operates between Ebbsfleet International and Greenhithe via Ebbsfleet Green, Castle Hill and Swanscombe. This peak time service is designed to connect residents with local railway stations at commuting times.
Find out more information about the Ebbsfleet Demand Responsive Transport and peak time GC1 route.
3 (school route)
This service now runs via a new route. It serves:
- Springhead Park
- Southfleet Road
- Stanhope Road
- Swanscombe High Street.
34 (school route)
This service now runs via a new route. It serves Castle Hill (Ebbsfleet) and uses:
- Southfleet Road
- Stanhope Road
- Swanscombe High Street to reach London Road.
Recent improvements
A view of the road construction site with workers, barriers, and construction vehicles.
Road apparatus (a cone) going into the road to test the strength of the cliff makeup. In the background a rig is digging holes in the road.
Working with utility companies
All utilities have now been diverted away from Galley Hill Road to ensure continued service. For any issues with power, water or broadband, contact your supplier.
Who to contact if your property or business has been affected
At this stage we cannot offer any further information on the cause of the landslide, how it will be remedied or how long the road will be closed.
If you have concerns regarding the affect or impact the issue is having on your property or your business, then your initial point of contact should be your insurers.